Accessory Dwellings

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): a secondary residence on a single property. It’s essentially an independent apartment either detached or attached to a single-family house. This also includes attic or basement apartments.

These dwellings take on many different names:

accessory dwelling units or ADUs (the common term used by architects and planners)

backyard cottages

accessory apartments

backyard dwellings

secondary dwelling unit

granny flats

in-law apartments

mother-in-law flat

backyard apartments

garage apartments

basement apartments

carriage house

garden suite

laneway house

alley apartment

multi-generational living

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Who uses ADUs?

Common renters/inhabitants of ADUs:

students

young professionals

newly weds

older children/teens

grandparents

in-laws

other family or friends

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What are the benefits of ADUs?

There are many benefits of ADUs associated directly to the owner, the renter, and the greater community.